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February 6, 2014

Tropical Smoothie

Tropical Smoothie hit the jackpot today when they posted a $2.00 off a Smoothie coupon. I would have never thought to go there because it wouldn't have hit me as paleo-friendly. But, I had to go to Publix anyway and there's one next door. So, I figured I'd do some investigating and see if they, in fact, are paleo-friendly.

First, let me tell you - This whole ridding your body of sugar and not craving it is true. I am an avid baker, and tonight proved the real changes paleo has done to my body and appetite. Avid baker...not meaning bake a few times each semester. No, like I have entered, not one, but two recipes into a baking contest this weekend. And, for my "warm-up" tonight, I baked Reese's cupcakes for a friend's boyfriend's birthday. You know it's serious when you're baking for a guy you've never met and is dating one of your best friends...

So, believe me. If I could bake these beautiful pieces of art, from scratch, and not take a bite... You can rid your body of sugar too!

Source: www.tropicalsmoothie.com

OK, back to the paleo stuff... I knew going in that I would have to at least make one specification. All Tropical Smoothies are made with turbinado (raw sugar). Tip #7: Check smoothies for added sugar. So, knowing that, I wondered what other hidden sugar was on their menu. Like, do they coat their sugar in sugar so it juices? I asked a few questions, and (pleasantly surprisingly) the hidden sugar stops at "No sugar." They use real, fresh fruit without added sugar. My order: Health Nut (blueberries, banana, mango) without sugar or protein powder They let me add extra blueberries because of the "No sugar." The smoothie was pretty good, but I won't lie - I like my coconut smoothies (Recipe Book) better, simply because the ice base at Tropical Smoothie tones down the flavor, in my opinion. However, there are a surprising amount of paleo options on their menu! Any smoothie without yogurt ordered without sugar, basically all fruit, is perfectly paleo. Oh, and after I ordered, I noticed one with spinach, kale, pineapple and banana. I think I'll go for that one next time!

2/7/2014 Update: I went back today to use the coupon again before it expired. Don't worry, I went with a friend - so, I'm not a complete loser going twice in two days. I got the Island Green (spinach, kale, banana, mango, pineapple) without sugar. This one was a lot better than yesterday's, and it's green!

4/6/2014 Update: I have read some articles that say turbinado is an okay sweetener for paleo because it is not refined and therefore natural. I try to stay away from all added sweeteners when possible (except honey), so I would still order mine without turbinado; however, it's not as excluded as I thought. Either way, check smoothies for added sugar because not all places will use natural sugar. Go Tropical Smoothie!

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